There is apparently a ‘desire from both clubs’ for the move to go ahead, but Real paid £63million to sign Rodriguez from Monaco in 2014 and would at least want their money back on the 24-year-old.

The Sun on Sunday, meanwhile, claims United are planning a bid for Wolfsburg left-back Ricardo Rodriguez having twice had the 23-year-old watched in recent weeks.

Wolfsburg do not want to sell Rodriguez, who has also been linked with Real Madrid, but they would be powerless to block a transfer were his £27million release clause met.

United, however, are apparently planning a lower offer initially, Ashley Cole set to join LA Galaxy despite apparent late interest from the Red Devils.

It has also been widely reported over the weekend that United have moved closer to signing Sanches from Benfica after holding talks with officials of the Lisbon club in London on Friday.

Sanches, who is said to have been watched by several of Europe’s top clubs, has a release clause of £60million, but Benfica are apparently willing to sell the 18-year-old midfielder for half that, plus add-ons.

The Daily Mail says United have also have had Lech Poznan goalkeeper Bartosz Mrozek, 15, on trial this week and have also been looking at Livingston forward Matthew Knox, 16.